Process for the preparation of cetp(1)

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of 1-(2-ethyl-butyl)-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid which is useful as an intermediate in the preparation of pharmaceutical active compounds.

PRIORITY TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit of European Patent Application No.06126724.1, filed Dec. 20, 2006, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of1-(2-ethyl-butyl)-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid which is useful as anintermediate in the preparation of pharmaceutical active compounds.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a process for thepreparation of 1-(2-ethyl-butyl)-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid of formula(I):

which comprises reacting a cyclohexanecarboxylic acid derivative offormula (II):

wherein Y is an alkali metal, with an alkylating agent (such as a1-halo-2-ethylbutane or a sulfonate ester of 2-ethyl-1-butanol), in thepresence of a secondary amine and (C₁-C₆) alkyllithium, (C₃-C₆)cycloalkyllithium or phenyllithium.

The compound of formula (I) may be used as an intermediate in thesynthesis of valuable pharmaceutical compounds, such as the onesdescribed in EP1,020,439.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Unless otherwise stated, the following terms used in the specificationand claims have the meanings given below:

The term “halo” means chloro, bromo or iodo.

The term “alkali metal” includes lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidiumand cesium. Preferably, alkali metal is lithium or sodium. Of these,sodium is most preferred.

The term “(C₁-C₆)alkyl” refers to a branched or straight hydrocarbonchain, such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl,sec-butyl and t-butyl, pentyl, or hexyl.

The term “(C₃-C₆)cycloalkyl” refers to a single saturated carbocyclicring, such as cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl.

The term “(C₁-C₆)alkyllithium” refers to a (C₁-C₆)alkyl chain as definedabove which is substituted by a lithium atom, such as butyllithium,hexyllithium, or sec-butyllithium.

The term “(C₁-C₆)alkoxy” refers to a —O—(C₁-C₆)alkyl wherein the(C₁-C₆)alkyl is as defined above. Examples of a (C₁-C₆)alkoxy includemethoxy, ethoxy, and isopropoxy.

The term “substituted phenyl” refers to a phenyl substituted by one ormore substituents independently selected from the group consisting of a(C₁-C₃)alkyl, nitro and a halogen atom (such as fluoro, bromo, chloro).

The term “secondary amine” refers to an amine of formula (a)

where R¹ and R² may be the same or different and are independentlyeither a (C₁-C₆)alkyl or (C₃-C₆)cycloalkyl, or R¹ and R² taken togetherwith the nitrogen atom to which they are attached, form a(C₄-C₈)heterocycloalkane optionally containing an additional heteroatomof O or N. Representative examples of secondary amines include, but arenot limited to, piperidine, 4-methyl-piperidine, piperazine,pyrrolidine, morpholine, dimethylamine, diethylamine, diisopropylamine,dicyclohexylamine, ethylmethylamine, ethylpropylamine andmethylpropylamine. Preferably, the secondary amine is diethylamine,diisopropylamine, dicyclohexylamine, ethylmethylamine, ethylpropylamine,methylpropylamine or morpholine. The most preferred secondary amine isdiethylamine.

The term “(C₄-C₈)heterocycloalkane” refers to a saturated non-aromaticcyclic compound of 4 to 8 ring atoms in which one or two ring atoms areheteroatoms independently selected from N or O, and wherein theheterocycloalkane may be optionally substituted with one or more(C₁-C₃)alkyls [preferably one (C₁-C₃)alkyl].

The term “sulfonate ester of 2-ethyl-1-butanol” refers to a substitutedor an unsubstituted phenyl-sulfonate, an unsubstitutednaphthalene-sulfonate or a (C₁-C₆)alkylsulfonate ester derivative of2-ethyl-1-butanol wherein the substituted phenyl and the (C₁-C₆)alkylchain are as previously defined. Representative examples of sulfonateester of 2-ethyl-1-butanol include, but are not limited to,benzenesulfonic acid 2-ethyl-butyl ester, 1-naphthalenesulfonic acid2-ethyl-butyl ester, 2-naphthalenesulfonic acid 2-ethyl-butyl ester,toluene-4-sulfonic acid 2-ethyl-butyl ester, 4-nitro-benzenesulfonicacid 2-ethyl-butyl ester, 2,4,6-trimethyl-benzenesulfonic acid2-ethyl-butyl ester, ethanesulfonic acid 2-ethyl-butyl ester,methanesulfonic acid 2-ethyl-butyl ester and butanesulfonic acid2-ethyl-butyl ester.

In reference to a particular group or molecule, the term “substituted”refers to the fact that at least one of the hydrogen atoms of that groupor molecule is replaced by some other substituent.

The present invention is also directed to a process for the preparationof 1-(2-ethyl-butyl)cyclohexanecarboxylic acid of formula (I):

which comprises the following steps:

-   a) alkylating a cyclohexanecarboxylic acid derivative of formula    (II):

wherein Y is an alkali metal, with an alkylating agent, in the presenceof a secondary amine and a (C₁-C₆)alkyllithium, a(C₃-C₆)cycloalkyllithium or phenyllithium, and

-   b) purifying the compound of formula (I) by extraction with an    aqueous solution with a pH in the range of 7.5-11.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a processfor the preparation of 1-(2-ethyl-butyl)cyclohexanecarboxylic acid offormula (I):

which comprises the following steps:

-   a) reacting cyclohexanecarboxylic acid with a basic alkali metal    compound, such as an alkali metal hydride (e.g. NaH, KH), an alkali    metal amide (e.g. NaNH₂, LiNH₂), an alkali metal alkoxide (e.g,    NaOMe, LiOMe, NaOEt, LiOEt, KOEt, NaOiPr, KOiPr), an alkali metal    hydroxide (e.g. LiOH, NaOH, KOH), an alkali metal carbonate (e.g.    Na₂CO₃, K₂CO₃, Cs₂CO₃) or an alkali metal hydrogen carbonate (e.g.    NaHCO₃, KHCO₃) to form a cyclohexanecarboxylic acid alkali salt of    formula (II):

wherein Y is an alkali metal;

-   b) reacting the said cyclohexanecarboxylic acid alkali salt with an    alkylating agent, in the presence of a secondary amine and    (C₁-C₆)alkyllithium, (C₃-C₆)cycloalkyllithium or phenyllithium; and-   c) purifying the compound of formula (I) by extraction with an    aqueous solution with a pH in the range of 7.5-11.

According to the present invention, the preferred alkali metal compoundis sodium hydride when the above steps a), b) and c) are carried out asa one-pot synthesis.

Preferably, (C₁-C₆)alkyllithium, (C₃-C₆)cycloalkyllithium orphenyllithium is added first to the cyclohexanecarboxylic acid alkalisalt of formula (II), in the presence of a secondary amine, followed bythe addition of an alkylating agent.

According to the present invention, the preferred alkali metal compoundused is sodium hydroxide or sodium methoxide. Sodium methoxide is themost preferred alkali metal compound.

The present invention takes place in the presence of an organic solventsuch as an ether like solvent (e.g. tetrahydrofuran, diisopropyl ether,t-butylmethyl ether or dibutyl ether), an alcohol solvent (e.g. methanolor ethanol), an aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent (e.g. hexane, heptane orpentane), a saturated alicyclic hydrocarbon solvent (e.g. cyclohexane orcyclopentane) or aromatic solvent (e.g. toluene or t-butyl-benzene).

In addition to the solvents previously listed, the purification step,may take place in the presence of a chlorinated solvent (e.g. methylenechloride or chloroform), or a mineral solvent (water).

A nonprotic organic solvent is the preferred solvent during thealkylation, such as tetrahydrofuran, alone or in combination withanother nonprotic solvent, e.g. from the group of the apolar solventshexane, heptane and t-butyl-benzene. Most preferably the nonproticsolvent is tetrahydrofuran.

Preferably, the present invention takes place in the presence ofcatalytic amount of a secondary amine.

The present process is preferably carried out with 0.05 to 1.0equivalent, more preferably with 0.1 to 0.3 equivalent of a secondaryamine with respect to the cyclohexanecarboxylic acid alkali salt offormula (II). Most preferably 0.1 equivalent of a secondary amine withrespect to the compound of formula (II) is used.

The preferred lithium agent is (C₁-C₆)alkyllithium, and butyllithium isthe most preferred.

1 to 1.3 equivalents of butyllithium with respect tocyclohexanecarboxylic acid alkali salt of formula (II) are preferablyused for the alkylation steps. More preferably, 1.1 to 1.2 equivalentsare used. Most preferably 1.2 equivalents are used.

According to the present invention, additional (C₁-C₆)alkyllithium maybe added to the reaction mixture after the alkylating step and prior tothe extraction.

The preferred aqueous solution for the extraction step has a pH withinthe range of 7.5-10, more preferably 8.5-9.5 and most preferably has apH of 9.

According to the present invention the aqueous solution for theextraction step is preferably chosen from inorganic bases or organicbases, a mixture thereof, or from commonly known buffering solutions ofsuitable pH. The preferred inorganic base is an alkali base, such asalkalicarbonate, alkalibicarbonate, alkali-borate, alkali phosphate,alkali-hydroxide. A more preferred aqueous solution is chosen fromsolution of potassium bicarbonate, sodium bicarbonate, potassiumcarbonate, sodium carbonate, sodium borate, sodium hydroxide, or amixture thereof. The most preferred aqueous solution is a solution ofsodium bicarbonate, sodium hydroxide or a mixture thereof.

The preferred concentration of the butyllithium solution is 1.6 to 2.5M,more preferably 1.6M.

The preferred temperature for the addition of BuLi is 15-40° C. The mostpreferred temperature for the addition of butyllithium is 20-25° C.

Preferably the butyllithium is added over a 1 to 5 hour period, mostpreferably 3-4 hours.

The preferred alkylating agent is 1-halo-2-ethylbutane, most preferably1-bromo-2-ethylbutane.

The preferred sulfonate ester of 2-ethyl-1-butanol is toluene-4-sulfonicacid 2 ethyl-butyl ester.

Preferably 1.2 equivalents of 1-bromo-2-ethylbutane are used.

The preferred addition temperature of 1-bromo-2-ethylbutane is 8-12° C.

The reaction time takes 5 to 24 hours, preferably 6 to 7 hours.

Preferably the alkylating agent is added to the reaction mixtureimmediately after the complete addition of alkyllithium, at atemperature between 8-12° C.

The preferred reaction temperature, once the addition of the alkylatingagent is completed, is between 0 and 40° C., most preferably it isbetween 33 and 37° C.

The alkylation is performed preferably under an inert gas atmosphere,preferably under argon or nitrogen.

In another embodiment the present invention provides a processcomprising the synthetic steps represented in the following scheme:

wherein X is I, Br, Cl or F and R⁴ is C₁-C₈alkyl. In particular, theprocess comprises reacting 1-(2-ethyl-butyl)-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid(I) with a halogenating agent, such as PX₃, PX₅, SOX₂ or NCX, to obtainthe acyl halide of formula (III). The halogenating step is preferablycarried out in the presence of tri-(C₁-C₅)alkylamine. Furthermore, theprocess comprises reacting the acyl halide withbis(2-aminophenyl)disulfide to acylate the amino groups of the(2-aminophenyl)disulfide, reducing the amino-acylated disulfide productwith a reducing agent such as triphenylphosphine, zinc or sodiumborohydride to yield the thiol product, and acylating the thiol group inthe thiol product with R⁴C(O)X′, wherein X′ is I, Br, Cl or F.

The additional steps may be performed according to the proceduresdescribed in Shinkai et al., J. Med. Chem. 43:3566-3572 (2000) and WO2007/051714.

Preferably the halogenating agent is chosen from thionyl chloride,phosphorus pentachloride, phosphorus tribromide and cyanuric fluoride,most preferably thionyl chloride. The acyl halide of formula (III)wherein X is Cl is most preferred.

In the thiol acylation step, preferably the acylating agent is R⁴C(O)X′,wherein X′ is Cl. Most preferably R⁴ is isopropyl.

In a further embodiment the present invention provides a process for thepreparation ofS-[2-([[1-(2-ethylbutyl)-cyclohexyl]-carbonyl]amino)phenyl]2-methylpropanethioatecomprising the formation of a compound of formula (I) obtained by any ofthe processes and conditions mentioned previously.

The following examples are provided for the purpose of furtherillustration and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimedinvention.

The following abbreviations and definitions are used: br (broad); BuLi(butyllithium); CDCl₃ (deuterated chloroform); CHCA Li salt(cyclohexanecarboxylic acid lithium salt); CHCA Na salt(cyclohexanecarboxylic acid sodium salt); DCM (dichloromethane); DEA(diethylamine); eq. (equivalent); g (gram); GC (gas chromatography); h(hour); HCl (hydrochloric acid); M (Molar); m (multiplet); Me (methyl);MeOH (methanol); mL (milliliter); NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance); PhLi(phenyllithium); RT (room temperature); s (singlet); t (triplet); TBME(t-butyl methyl ether); and THF (tetrahydrofuran);

EXAMPLE 1 Preparation of CHCA Na Salt

At 5-10° C., a solution of cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (25.0 g, 195 mmol)in MeOH (75 mL) was added dropwise over 30 min to 5.4 M sodium methoxide(36.1 mL, 195 mmol) which had been diluted with MeOH (50 mL). Themixture was stirred 4 h at RT. Heptane (100 mL) was added dropwise. Promthe suspension thus formed most of the MeOH was removed in a rotaryevaporator. Heptane (150 mL) was added and the white suspension wasstirred 2 h at 0° C. and filtered. The filter cake was washed withheptane and dried to afford 27.41 g (94%) CHCA Na salt as whitecrystals. Anal. Calcd for C₇H₁₁NaO₂ C, 55.99; H, 7.38. Found: C, 55.69;H, 7.25.

EXAMPLE 2 Alkylation of CHCA Na Salt in the Presence of diisopropylamine(0.3 eq)

CHCA Na salt (2.34 g, 15.6 mmol) was suspended under argon in THF (30mL). Diisopropylamine (474 mg, 4.68 mmol) was added to the stirredmixture followed by addition of 1.6 M BuLi in hexane (13.6 mL, 21.8mmol) over 1.5 h using a syringe pump. After complete BuLi additionstirring at RT was continued for 1.5 h. 1-Bromo-2-ethylbutane (3.35 g,20.3 mmol) in THF (10 mL) was added dropwise to the orange and slightlyturbid reaction mixture at ˜0° C. over 10 min. After 1 h the coolingbath was removed and the white suspension was stirred 18 h at ambienttemperature. GC analysis indicated the presence of 7% unreacted startingmaterial. An additional portion of 1.6 M BuLi in hexane (2.9 mL, 4.6mmol) was added over 1 h to the reaction mixture and stirring at roomtemperature was continued for another 3 h.

At 5° C., ice-cold H₂O (15 mL) was cautiously dropped to the reactionmixture under stirring. Then hexane and H₂O were added and the mixturewas concentrated in vacuo until most of the THF was removed. The residuewas extracted with hexane (2×60 mL). The organic phases were washed withH₂O. The aqueous phases were combined, adjusted to ˜pH 2 with aqueousHCl and extracted with DCM (2×100 mL). The dichloromethane phases werewashed with dilute brine, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated invacuo to give 2.75 g crude product with a content of 5.4%cyclohexanecarboxylic acid and 83.9%1-(2-ethyl-butyl)-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid corresponding to a yield of70%.

EXAMPLE 3 Alkylation of CHCA Na Salt in the Presence of diisopropylamine(0.1 eq)

CHCA Na salt (2.34 g, 15.6 mmol) was suspended under argon in THF (30mL). Diisopropylamine (158 mg, 1.56 mmol) was added to the stirredmixture followed by addition of 1.6 M BuLi in hexane (11.2 mL, 17.9mmol) over 2 h using a syringe pump. After complete BuLi additionstirring at RT was continued for 1.5 h. 1-Bromo-2-ethylbutane (3.35 g,20.3 mmol) in THF (10 mL) was added dropwise to the orange and slightlyturbid reaction mixture at ˜0° C. over 10 min. After 1 h the coolingbath was removed and the white suspension was stirred 18 h at ambienttemperature.

At 5° C., ice-cold H₂O (15 mL) was cautiously dropped to the reactionmixture under stirring. Then hexane and H₂O were added and the mixturewas concentrated in vacuo until most of the THF was removed. The residuewas extracted with hexane (2×60 mL). The organic phases were washed withH₂O. The aqueous phases were combined, adjusted to ˜pH 2 with aqueousHCl and extracted with DCM (2×100 mL). The dichloromethane phases werewashed with dilute brine, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated invacuo to give 2.7 g crude product with a content of 4.7%cyclohexanecarboxylic acid and 87.9%1-(2-ethyl-butyl)-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid corresponding to a yield of72%.

EXAMPLE 4 Alkylation of CHCA Na Salt in the Presence of diisopropylamine(1.0 eq)

CHCA Na salt (12.0 g, 80 mmol) was suspended under argon in THF (150mL). Diisopropylamine (8.09 g, 80 mmol) was added to the stirred mixturefollowed by addition of 1.6 M BuLi in hexane (65 mL, 104 mmol) over 3 husing a syringe pump. After complete BuLi addition stirring at RT wascontinued for 1.5 h. 1-Bromo-2-ethylbutane (17.15 g, 104 mmol) in THF(51 mL) was added dropwise to the orange and slightly turbid reactionmixture at 10-15° C. over 30 min. After 1 h the reaction mixture waswarmed up to 23° C. and stirred 15 h at this temperature.

At 5° C., ice-cold H₂O (90 mL) was added cautiously under stirring. Thenheptane and H₂O was added and the mixture was concentrated in vacuountil most of the THF was removed. The aqueous residue was extractedwith heptane (100 mL). The aqueous phase was separated and extractedagain with heptane (100 mL). The organic phases were washed with H₂O.The aqueous phases were combined, adjusted to ˜pH 2 with aqueous HCl andextracted with DCM (2×150 mL). The dichloromethane phases were washedwith dilute brine, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated in vacuoto give 14.35 g crude product which—by GC area %—contained 81.4%1-(2-ethyl-butyl)-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid and 8.4%cyclohexanecarboxylic acid.

The crude product was dissolved in TBME (150 mL) and extracted with 7%aqueous sodium bicarbonate (2×80 mL). The aqueous phases were extractedwith TBME. The organic phases were washed with dilute brine (120 mL),combined, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo to afford12.97 g (72%) 1-(2-ethyl-butyl)-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid with acontent of 93.7% according to GC with internal standard. Only a verysmall amount of cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (˜0.1%) was detected in thisproduct.

EXAMPLE 5 Alkylation of CHCA Na Salt in the Presence of diisopropylaminewith 1-iodo-2-ethylbutane as the alkylating Agent

CHCA Na salt (1.20 g, 8.0 mmol) in the presence of diisopropylamine (0.3eq) and THF was reacted with 1.6 M BuLi in hexane (1.4 eq+0.3 eq) andthe alkylating agent (1.3 eq) in an analogous manner as described inExample 2 except for the fact that 1-bromo-2-ethylbutane was replaced by1-iodo-2-ethylbutane as the alkylating agent. The reaction afforded 1.35g crude product with a content of 6% cyclohexanecarboxylic acid and74.4% 1-(2-ethyl-butyl)-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid corresponding to ayield of 59%.

EXAMPLE 6 Alkylation of CHCA Na Salt in the Presence ofdicyclohexylamine (0.3 eq) CHCA Na Salt (2.34 g, 15.6 mmol) wasSuspended Under Argon in THF (30 mL)

Dicyclohexylamine (849 mg, 4.68 mmol) was added to the stirred mixturefollowed by addition of 1.6 M BuLi in hexane (13.6 mL, 21.8 mmol) over1.5 h using a syringe pump. After complete BuLi addition stirring at RTwas continued for 1.5 h. 1-Bromo-2-ethylbutane (3.35 g, 20.3 mmol) inTHF (10 mL) was added dropwise to the orange and slightly turbidreaction mixture at ˜0° C. over 10 min. After 1 h the cooling bath wasremoved and the white suspension was stirred 18 h at ambienttemperature. GC analysis indicated the presence of 7% unreacted startingmaterial.

At 5° C., ice-cold H₂O (15 mL) was cautiously dropped to the reactionmixture under stirring. Then hexane and H₂O were added and the mixturewas concentrated in vacuo until most of the THF was removed. The residuewas extracted with hexane (2×60 mL). The organic phases were washed withH₂O. The aqueous phases were combined, adjusted to ˜pH 2 with aqueousHCl and extracted with DCM (2×100 mL). The dichloromethane phases werewashed with dilute brine, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated invacuo to give 2.3 g crude product with a content of 6.9%cyclohexanecarboxylic acid and 87.0%1-(2-ethyl-butyl)-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid corresponding to a yield of60%.

EXAMPLE 7 Alkylation of CHCA Na Salt in the Presence of DEA (0.1 eq)with Supplementary BuLi Addition

CHCA Na salt (6.0 g, 40 mmol) was suspended under argon in THF (75 mL).DEA (292 mg, 4 mmol) was added to the stirred mixture followed byaddition of 1.6 M BuLi in hexane (30 mL, 48 mmol) over 3 h using asyringe pump. After complete BuLi addition stirring at RT was continuedfor 1.5 h. 1-Bromo-2-ethylbutane (8.58 g, 52 mmol) in THF (26 mL) wasadded dropwise to the orange and slightly turbid reaction mixture at 10°C. over 30 min. After 1 h the cooling bath was removed and the reactionmixture was stirred 17 h at ambient temperature. GC analysis indicatedthe presence of 12% unreacted starting material. An additional portionof 1.6 M BuLi in hexane (6.2 mL, 10 mmol) was added over 1 h to thereaction mixture and stirring at RT was continued for another 2 h.

At 5° C., ice-cold H₂O (50 mL) was added cautiously under stirring. Thenheptane and H₂O was added and the mixture was concentrated in vacuountil most of the THF was removed. The residue was extracted withheptane. The aqueous phase was separated and extracted again withheptane. The organic phases were washed with H₂O. The aqueous phaseswere combined, adjusted to pH 1-2 with aqueous HCl and extracted twicewith DCM. The dichloromethane phases were washed with dilute brine,dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo to give 6.86 g crudeproduct with a content of 93.6% 1-(2-ethyl-butyl)-cyclohexanecarboxylicacid and 3.7% cyclohexanecarboxylic acid.

The crude product was dissolved in TBME (60 mL) and extracted with 7%aqueous sodium bicarbonate (2×40 mL). The aqueous phases were extractedwith TBME (60 mL). The organic phases were washed with dilute brine,combined, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo to afford6.62 g (77%) 1-(2-ethyl-butyl)-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid with a contentof 99.4% according to GC with internal standard. Only 0.2%cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (from starting material) was detected by GCanalysis.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 0.81 (t, 6H), 1.15-1.65 (m, 15H), 2.05-2.15(m, 2H), 11.9 (br s, H).

EXAMPLE 8 Alkylation of CHCA Na Salt in the Presence of DEA (0.1 eq)without Supplementary BuLi Addition

CHCA Na salt (24.0 g, 160 mmol) was suspended under argon in THF (300mL). DEA (1.17 g, 16 mmol) was added to the stirred mixture followed byaddition of 1.6 M BuLi in hexane (120 mL, 192 mmol) over 3 h using asyringe pump. After complete BuLi addition stirring at RT was continuedfor 1.5 h. 1-Bromo-2-ethylbutane (34.29 g, 208 mmol) in THF (102 mL) wasadded dropwise to the orange and slightly turbid reaction mixture at 10°C. over 30 min. After 1 h the cooling bath was removed and the reactionmixture was stirred 19 h at ambient temperature. GC analysis indicatedthe presence of 13% unreacted starting material. In contrast to theprocedure described in Example 7 no supplementary BuLi was added at thispoint.

The reaction mixture was worked up in analogous manner as described inExample 7 to give 28.98 g crude product with a content of 85.2%1-(2-ethyl-butyl)-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid and 13.1% startingmaterial.

The crude product was dissolved in TBME (100 mL) and extracted with 7%aqueous sodium bicarbonate (2×120 mL). The aqueous phases were extractedwith TBME (120 mL). The organic phases were washed with dilute brine(120 mL), combined, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated in vacuoto afford 25.17 g (73%) 1-(2-ethyl-butyl)-cyclohexanecarboxylic acidwith a content of 98.2% according to GC with internal standard. Thecontent of cyclohexanecarboxylic acid was found to be 0.3%.

EXAMPLE 9 Alkylation of CHCA Na Salt in the Presence of DEA (0.1 eq)with tert-butylbenzene as co-solvent

CHCA Na salt (6.0 g, 40 mmol) was suspended under argon in a mixture ofTHF (60 mL) and tert-butylbenzene (15 mL). DEA (292 mg, 4 mmol) wasadded to the stirred mixture followed by addition of 1.6 M BuLi inhexane (30 mL, 48 mmol) over 3 h using a syringe pump. After completeBuLi addition stirring at RT was continued for 1.5 h.1-Bromo-2-ethylbutane (8.58 g, 52 mmol) in THF (26 mL) was addeddropwise to the orange and slightly turbid reaction mixture at 10-15° C.over 30 min. After 1 h the cooling bath was removed and the reactionmixture was stirred 20 h at ambient temperature.

At 5° C., ice-cold H₂O (30 mL) was added cautiously under stirring. Thenheptane and H₂O was added and the mixture was concentrated in vacuountil most of the THF was removed. The aqueous residue was extractedwith heptane (80 mL). The aqueous phase was separated and extractedagain with heptane (120 mL). The organic phases were washed with H₂O.The aqueous phases were combined, adjusted to pH 1-2 with aqueous HCland extracted with DCM (2×150 mL). The dichloromethane phases werewashed with dilute brine, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated invacuo to give 7.1 g crude product with a content of 82.6%1-(2-ethyl-butyl)-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid and 9%cyclohexanecarboxylic acid.

The crude product was dissolved in TBME (70 mL) and extracted with 7%aqueous sodium bicarbonate (2×70 mL). The aqueous phases were extractedwith TBME (70 mL). The organic phases were washed with dilute brine (80mL), combined, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo toafford 6.36 g (71%) 1-(2-ethyl-butyl)-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid with acontent of 95.3% according to GC with internal standard. Only a verysmall amount of cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (˜0.1%) was detected in thisproduct.

EXAMPLE 10 Alkylation in the Presence of DEA (0.1 eq) with in situGeneration of the CHCA Na Salt

At 0° C., cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (2.0 g, 15.6 mmol) in THF (15 mL)was added dropwise over 30 min under an argon atmosphere to a stirredsuspension of 60% sodium hydride in oil (811 mg, 20.3 mmol). Afteranother 10 min at 0° C., the suspension was stirred at RT for 40 min.

DEA (114 mg, 1.56 mmol) was added to the stirred mixture followed byaddition of 1.6 M BuLi in hexane (11.7 mL, 18.7 mmol) over 3 h using asyringe pump. After complete BuLi addition stirring at RT was continuedfor 1 h. 1-Bromo-2-ethylbutane (3.35 g, 20.3 mmol) in THF (10 mL) wasadded dropwise to the orange and slightly turbid reaction mixture at 0°C. over 10 min. After 1 h the cooling bath was removed and the reactionmixture was stirred 18 h at ambient temperature. GC analysis indicatedthe presence of 11% unreacted starting material. An additional portionof 1.6 M BuLi in hexane (1.95 mL, 3.12 mmol) was added over 1 h to thereaction mixture and stirring at RT was continued for 1 h.

At 5° C., ice-cold H₂O (15 mL) was cautiously dropped to the reactionmixture under stirring. Then heptane and H₂O were added and the mixturewas concentrated in vacuo until most of the THF was removed. The residuewas extracted with heptane (2×60 mL). The organic phases were washedwith H₂O. The aqueous phases were combined, adjusted to <pH 3 withaqueous HCl and extracted with DCM (2×100 mL). The dichloromethanephases were washed with dilute brine, dried over sodium sulfate andconcentrated in vacuo to give 2.75 g crude product with a content of3.7% cyclohexanecarboxylic acid and 87.6%1-(2-ethyl-butyl)-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid corresponding to a yield of73%.

EXAMPLE 11 Preparation of cyclohexanecarboxylic Acid lithium Salt

Under stirring, a solution of cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (10.0 g, 78mmol) in MeOH (30 mL) was added dropwise over 30 min to 1 M lithiummethoxide in MeOH (78 mL, 78 mmol) at 5-10° C. The cooling bath wasremoved and after 4 h at room temperature, heptane (75 mL) was addedslowly. Most of the MeOH was removed at a rotary evaporator. Heptane(100 mL) was added to the thick white suspension which was stirred 2 hat 0° C. The suspension was filtered and the filter cake was washed withheptane and dried in vacuo (<1 mbar) to afford 10.5 g (100%)cyclohexanecarboxylic acid lithium salt. Anal. Calcd for C₇H₁₁LiO₂ C,62.70; H, 8.27. Found: C, 62.03; H, 8.11; H₂O, 0.67.

EXAMPLE 12 Alkylation of CHCA Li Salt in the Presence of DEA (0.1 eq)

Cyclohexanecarboxylic acid lithium salt (6.0 g, 44.7 mmol, preparationsee Example 11) was suspended under argon in THF (75 mL). DEA (327 mg,4.47 mmol) was added to the stirred mixture followed by addition of 1.6M BuLi in hexane (33.6 mL, 53.7 mmol) over 3 h using a syringe pump.After complete BuLi addition stirring at RT was continued for 1.5 h.1-Bromo-2-ethylbutane (9.6 g, 58.2 mmol) in THF (26 mL) was addeddropwise to the orange and slightly turbid reaction mixture at 10-15° C.over 30 min. After 1 h the cooling bath was removed and the whitesuspension was stirred 18 h at ambient temperature.

At 5° C., ice-cold H₂O (30 mL) was cautiously dropped to the reactionmixture under stirring. Then hexane and H₂O were added and the mixturewas concentrated in vacuo until most of the THF was removed. The residuewas extracted with hexane (80+120 mL). The organic phases were washedwith H₂O. The aqueous phases were combined, adjusted to ˜pH 2 withaqueous HCl and extracted with DCM (2×150 mL). The dichloromethanephases were washed with dilute brine, dried over sodium sulfate andconcentrated in vacuo to give 6.75 g crude product with a content of27.7% cyclohexanecarboxylic acid and 68.3%1-(2-ethyl-butyl)-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid corresponding to a yield of49%.

EXAMPLE 13 Alkylation of CHCA Na Salt in the Presence of DEA (0.1 eq)

CHCA Na salt (45.0 g, 300 mmol) was suspended under argon in THF (420mL). DEA (2.2 g, 30 mmol) was added to the stirred mixture followed byaddition of 1.6 M BuLi in hexane (225 mL, 360 mmol) over 4 h at 20-25°C. After complete BuLi addition the reaction mixture was cooled to 10°C. and 1-bromo-2-ethylbutane (60.0 g, 360 mmol) was added at 8-12° C.over 30 min. After complete addition the reaction mixture was warmed to35° C. within 30 min and stirred for 19 h at 33-37° C. GC analysisindicated the presence of 10.8% area unreacted starting material(cyclohexanecarboxylic acid).

The reaction mixture was cooled to 0-5° C. and H₂O (400 mL) was addedwithin 10-20 min at 0-15° C. Volatile components (THF, hexanes, etc)were distilled at 45° C./400-100 mbar. The remaining basic aqueoussolution was washed twice with hexanes (240 and 120 mL) and acidified byaddition of HCl 37% (35 mL) at 0-15° C. The acidic aqueous solution wasextracted with toluene (240 mL) and the organic phase was washed withH₂O (240 mL).

The toluene solution with the crude product was extracted 3 times (150mL each) with 7% aqueous sodium bicarbonate (set to pH=9 by addition of28% NaOH) and once with HCl 0.5N (50 mL). The organic phase wasconcentrated in vacuo to afford 51.8 g (78.8% yield)1-(2-ethyl-butyl)-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid with a content of 96.9%according to GC with internal standard. The content of toluene was foundto be 3.7% and of cyclohexanecarboxylic acid was found to be <0.1%.

EXAMPLE 14 Alkylation of CHCA Na Salt as in Example 13 but with AgingTime of dianion Solution (90 min) and with alkylation Temperature of20-25° C.

CHCA Na salt (45.0 g, 300 mmol) was suspended under argon in THF (420mL). DEA (2.2 g, 30 mmol) was added to the stirred mixture followed byaddition of 1.6 M BuLi in hexane (225 mL, 360 mmol) over 4 h at 20-25°C. After complete BuLi addition the reaction mixture was stirred forfurther 90 min at 20-25° C., then cooled to 10° C. and1-bromo-2-ethylbutane (60.0 g, 360 mmol) was added at 8-12° C. over 30min. After complete addition the reaction mixture was stirred foradditional 60 min at 10-12° C. and then warmed to 20-25° C. within 30min and stirred for 16.5 h at 20-25° C. GC analysis indicated thepresence of 7.7% area unreacted starting material (cyclohexanecarboxylicacid).

The reaction mixture was cooled to 0-5° C. and H₂O (400 mL) was addedwithin 10-20 min at 0-15° C. Volatile components (THF, hexanes, etc)were distilled at 45° C./400-100 mbar. The remaining basic aqueoussolution was washed twice with hexanes (240 and 120 mL) and acidified byaddition of HCl 37% (33 mL) at 0-15° C. The acidic aqueous solution wasextracted with toluene (240 mL) and the organic phase was washed withH₂O (240 mL).

The toluene solution with the crude product (89.0% area1-(2-ethyl-butyl)-cyclohexane-carboxylic acid and 9.5% areacyclohexanecarboxylic acid) was extracted 3 times (150 mL each) with 7%aqueous sodium bicarbonate (set to pH=9 by addition of 28% NaOH) andonce with HCl 0.5N (50 mL). The organic phase was concentrated in vacuoto afford 50.2 g (76.0% yield) 1-(2-ethyl-butyl)-cyclohexanecarboxylicacid with a content of 94.5% according to GC with internal standard. Thecontent of toluene was found to be 3.4% and of cyclohexanecarboxylicacid was found to be <0.1%.

EXAMPLE 15 Alkylation of CHCA Na Salt as in Example 14 but with ReducedDosing Time of BuLi (1.5 h) and with 1.3 Eq. of 1-bromo-2-ethylbutane.Basic Aqueous Solution was Extracted only once with hexanes. ExtractivePurification with 7% Sodium bicarbonate

CHCA Na salt (45.0 g, 300 mmol) was suspended under argon in THF (420mL). DEA (2.2 g, 30 mmol) was added to the stirred mixture followed byaddition of 1.6 M BuLi in hexane (225 mL, 360 mmol) over 90 min at20-25° C. After complete BuLi addition the reaction mixture was stirredfor further 90 min at 20-25° C., then cooled to 10° C. and1-bromo-2-ethylbutane (65.0 g, 390 mmol) was added at 8-12° C. over 30min. After complete addition the reaction mixture was warmed to 20-25°C. within 30 min and stirred for 20 h at 20-25° C. GC analysis indicatedthe presence of 9.3% area unreacted starting material(cyclohexanecarboxylic acid).

The reaction mixture was cooled to 0-5° C. and H₂O (400 mL) was addedwithin 5 min at 0-15° C. Volatile components (THF, hexanes, etc) weredistilled at 45° C./400-100 mbar. The remaining basic aqueous solutionwas washed with hexanes (240 mL) and acidified by addition of HCl 37%(38 mL) at 10-15° C. The acidic aqueous solution was extracted withtoluene (240 mL). The organic phase was washed with H₂O (240 mL) andconcentrated in vacuo.

The residue was dissolved in toluene (220 mL) and the solution with thecrude product was extracted 3 times (150 mL each) with 7% aqueous sodiumbicarbonate and once with HCl 0.29N (140 mL). The organic phase wasconcentrated in vacuo to afford 42.0 g (61.7.0% yield)1-(2-ethyl-butyl)-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid with a content of 92.3%according to GC with internal standard. The content of toluene was foundto be 4.5% and of cydohexanecarboxylic acid was found to be <0.1%.

EXAMPLE 16 Alkylation of CHCA Na Salt as in Example 15 but with 0.2 Eq.of diethylamine and 3 h Dosing Time of BuLi. Extractive Purificationwith 7% Sodium bicarbonate

CHCA Na salt (45.0 g, 300 mmol) was suspended under argon in THF (420mL). DEA (4.4 g, 60 mmol) was added to the stirred mixture followed byaddition of 1.6 M BuLi in hexane (225 mL, 360 mmol) over 3 h at 20-25°C. After complete BuLi addition the reaction mixture was stirred forfurther 90 min at 20-25° C., then cooled to 10° C. and1-bromo-2-ethylbutane (65.0 g, 390 mmol) was added at 8-12° C. over 30min. After complete addition the reaction mixture was stirred for 1 h at8-12° C., then warmed to 20-25° C. within 30 min and stirred for 19 h at20-25° C. GC analysis indicated the presence of 13.7% area unreactedstarting material (cyclohexanecarboxylic acid).

The reaction mixture was cooled to 0-5° C. and H₂O (400 mL) was addedwithin 5 min at 0-15° C. Volatile components (THF, hexanes, etc) weredistilled at 45° C./400-100 mbar. The remaining basic aqueous solutionwas washed with hexanes (240 mL) and acidified by addition of HCl 37%(38 mL) at 10-15° C. The acidic aqueous solution was extracted withtoluene (240 mL). The organic phase was washed with H₂O (240 mL) andconcentrated in vacuo.

The residue was dissolved in toluene (220 mL) and the solution with thecrude product was extracted 2 times (150 mL each) with 7% aqueous sodiumbicarbonate and once with 5% NaCl (55 mL). The organic phase wasconcentrated in vacuo to afford 45.2 g (65.6% yield)1-(2-ethyl-butyl)-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid with a content of 88.5%according to GC with internal standard. The content of toluene was foundto be 5.3% and of cyclohexanecarboxylic acid was found to be 4.3%.

EXAMPLE 17 Alkylation of CHCA Na Salt with 0.1 Eq. of diethylamine, 1.1Eq. of BuLi, 1.2 Eq. of 1-bromo-2-ethylbutane and 3 h Dosing Time ofBuLi. Basic Aqueous Extraction with TBME. Extractive Purification witheither 7% Sodium bicarbonate or 7% Sodium Phosphate (Set to pH=8.5 withPhosphoric Acid)

CHCA Na salt (45.0 g, 300 mmol) was suspended under argon in THF (420mL). DEA (2.2 g, 30 mmol) was added to the stirred mixture followed byaddition of 1.6 M BuLi in hexane (206 mL, 330 mmol) over 3 h at 20-25°C. After complete BuLi addition the reaction mixture was stirred forfurther 90 min at 20-25° C., then cooled to 10° C. and1-bromo-2-ethylbutane (60.0 g, 360 mmol) was added at 8-12° C. over 30min. After complete addition the reaction mixture was stirred for 1 h at8-12° C., then warmed to 20-25° C. within 30 min and stirred for 19 h at20-25° C. GC analysis indicated the presence of 18.4% area unreactedstarting material (cyclohexanecarboxylic acid).

The reaction mixture was cooled to 0-5° C. and H₂O (400 mL) was addedwithin 5 min at 0-15° C. Volatile components (THF, hexanes, etc) weredistilled at 45° C./400-100 mbar. The remaining basic aqueous solutionwas washed with TBME (240 mL) resulting in a 3 layer system. The lower 2layers were acidified by addition of HCl 37% (38 mL) at 10-15° C. Theacidic aqueous solution was extracted with toluene (240 mL). The organicphase was washed with H₂O (240 mL) and concentrated in vacuo. Theresidue (50.4 g), which contained 66.4% of1-(2-ethyl-butyl)-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid and 27.3% ofcyclohexanecarboxylic acid was divided in 2 equal parts.

25.2 g of the crude residue were dissolved in toluene (110 mL). Then,the toluene solution was extracted 3 times (75 mL each) with 7% aqueoussodium bicarbonate and once with H₂O (50 mL). The organic phase wasconcentrated in vacuo to afford 17.5 g (52.0% yield)1-(2-ethyl-butyl)-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid with a content of 93.9%according to GC with internal standard. The content of toluene was foundto be 3.8% and of cyclohexanecarboxylic acid was found to be 0.33%.

The second part of the crude residue (25.2 g) was dissolved in 110 mLtoluene. Then, the toluene solution was extracted twice (75 mL each)with 7% aqueous sodium phosphate (set to pH=8.5 with H₃PO₄). The organicphase was concentrated in vacuo to afford 20.0 g (52.8% yield)1-(2-ethyl-butyl)-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid with a content of 83.5%according to GC with internal standard. The content of toluene was foundto be 3.0% and of cyclohexanecarboxylic acid was found to be 10.6%.

EXAMPLE 18 Alkylation of CHCA Na Salt with 0.1 Eq. of diethylamine, 1.2Eq. of BuLi, 1.2 Eq. of 1-bromo-2-ethylbutane and 3.5 h Dosing Time ofBuLi. Addition of BuLi Performed at 35° C.

CHCA Na salt (45.0 g, 300 mmol) was suspended under argon in THF (420mL). DEA (2.2 g, 30 mmol) was added to the stirred mixture followed byaddition of 1.6 M BuLi in hexane (225 mL, 360 mmol) over 3.5 h at 35° C.After complete BuLi addition the reaction mixture was stirred forfurther 90 min at 35° C., then cooled to 10° C. and1-bromo-2-ethylbutane (60.0 g, 360 mmol) was added at 8-12° C. over 30min. After complete addition the reaction mixture was stirred for 1 h at8-12° C., then warmed to 20-25° C. within 30 min and stirred for 19 h at20-25° C. GC analysis indicated the presence of 12.7% area unreactedstarting material (cyclohexanecarboxylic acid).

The reaction mixture was cooled to 0-5° C. and H₂O (400 mL) was addedwithin 5 min at 0-15° C. Volatile components (THF, hexanes, etc) weredistilled at 45° C./400-100 mbar. The remaining basic aqueous solutionwas washed with hexanes (240 mL and 120 mL) and acidified by addition ofHCl 37% (38 mL) at 10-15° C. The acidic aqueous solution was extractedwith toluene (240 mL). The organic phase was washed with H₂O (240 mL).

The toluene solution with the crude product (83.7% area1-(2-ethyl-butyl)-cyclohexane-carboxylic acid and 15.2% areacyclohexanecarboxylic acid) was extracted 3 times (150 mL each) with 7%aqueous sodium bicarbonate (set to pH=9 by addition of 28% NaOH) andonce with 1N HCl (100 mL). The organic phase was concentrated in vacuoto afford 46.5 g (69.6% yield) 1-(2-ethyl-butyl)-cyclohexanecarboxylicacid with a content of 95.3% according to GC with internal standard. Thecontent of toluene was found to be 3.9% and of cyclohexanecarboxylicacid was found to be <0.10%.

EXAMPLE 19 Alkylation of CHCA Na Salt with 0.1 Eq. of diethylamine, 1.2Eq. of BuLi, 1.2 Eq. of 1-bromo-2-ethylbutane and 3 h Dosing Time ofBuLi. Addition of BuLi Performed at 30° C. and 3 h Stirring of dianionSolution

CHCA Na salt (45.0 g, 300 mmol) was suspended under argon in THF (420mL). DEA (2.2 g, 30 mmol) was added to the stirred mixture followed byaddition of 1.6 M BuLi in hexane (225 mL, 360 mmol) over 3 h at 30° C.After complete BuLi addition the reaction mixture was stirred forfurther 3 h at 30° C., then cooled to 10° C. and 1-bromo-2-ethylbutane(60.0 g, 360 mmol) was added at 8-12° C. over 30 min. After completeaddition the reaction mixture was stirred for 1 h at 8-12° C., thenwarmed to 20-25° C. within 30 min and stirred for 17 h at 20-25° C. GCanalysis indicated the presence of 17.4% area unreacted startingmaterial (cyclohexanecarboxylic acid).

The reaction mixture was cooled to 0-5° C. and H₂O (400 mL) was addedwithin 5 min at 0-15° C. Volatile components (THF, hexanes, etc) weredistilled at 45° C./400-100 mbar. The remaining basic aqueous solutionwas washed with hexanes (240 mL and 120 mL) and acidified by addition ofHCl 37% (38 mL) at 10-15° C. The acidic aqueous solution was extractedwith toluene (240 mL). The organic phase was washed with H₂O (240 mL).

The toluene solution with the crude product (77.8% area1-(2-ethyl-butyl)-cyclohexane-carboxylic acid and 21.5% areacyclohexanecarboxylic acid) was extracted 3 times (150 mL each) with 7%aqueous sodium bicarbonate (set to pH=9 by addition of 28% NaOH) andonce with 1N HCl (50 mL). The organic phase was concentrated in vacuo toafford 41.4 g (62.3% yield) 1-(2-ethyl-butyl)-cyclohexanecarboxylic acidwith a content of 95.8% according to GC with internal standard. Thecontent of toluene was found to be 3.0% and of cyclohexanecarboxylicacid was found to be <0.10%.

EXAMPLE 20 Alkylation of CHCA Na Salt as in Example 14 but with 3 hDosing Time of BuLi and Use of 2.5M BuLi

CHCA Na salt (45.0 g, 300 mmol) was suspended under argon in THF (420mL). DEA (2.2 g, 30 mmol) was added to the stirred mixture followed byaddition of 2.5 M BuLi in hexane (144 mL, 360 mmol) over 3 h at 20-25°C. After complete BuLi addition the reaction mixture was stirred forfurther 90 min at 20-25° C., then cooled to 10° C. and1-bromo-2-ethylbutane (60.0 g, 360 mmol) was added at 8-12° C. over 30min. After complete addition the reaction mixture was stirred foradditional 60 min at 10-12° C. and then warmed to 20-25° C. within 30min and stirred for 18.5 h at 20-25° C. GC analysis indicated thepresence of 19.9% area unreacted starting material(cyclohexanecarboxylic acid).

The reaction mixture was cooled to 0-5° C. and H₂O (400 mL) was addedwithin 10-20 min at 0-15° C. Volatile components (THF, hexanes, etc)were distilled at 45° C./400-100 mbar. The remaining basic aqueoussolution was washed twice with hexanes (240 and 120 mL) and acidified byaddition of HCl 37% (38 mL) at 0-15° C. The acidic aqueous solution wasextracted with toluene (240 mL) and the organic phase was washed withH₂O (240 mL).

The toluene solution with the crude product (73.7% area1-(2-ethyl-butyl)-cyclohexane-carboxylic acid and 25.7% areacyclohexanecarboxylic acid) was extracted 3 times (150 mL each) with 7%aqueous sodium bicarbonate (set to pH=9 by addition of 28% NaOH) andonce with HCl 0.5N (50 mL). The organic phase was concentrated in vacuoto afford 35.4 g (54.6% yield) 1-(2-ethyl-butyl)-cyclohexanecarboxylicacid with a content of 98.4% according to GC with internal standard. Thecontent of toluene was found to be 1.7% and of cyclohexanecarboxylicacid was found to be 0.11%.

EXAMPLE 21 Alkylation of CHCA Na Salt in the Presence of DEA (0.1 eq)with Toluene-4-Sulfonic Acid 2-ethyl-butyl Ester as the alkylating Agent

CHCA Na salt (3.0 g, 20 mmol) was suspended under argon in THF (37.5mL). DEA (146 mg, 2 mmol) was added to the stirred mixture followed byaddition of 1.6 M BuLi in hexane (15 mL, 24 mmol) over 3 h using asyringe pump. After complete BuLi addition stirring at RT was continuedfor 1.5 h. Toluene-4-sulfonic acid 2-ethyl-butyl ester (6.66 g, 26 mmol)in THF (13 mL) was added dropwise to the orange and slightly turbidreaction mixture at 10° C. over 30 min. After 1 h the cooling bath wasremoved and the reaction mixture was stirred 18 h at ambienttemperature.

The reaction mixture was worked up in analogous manner as described inExample 7 to give 3.2 g crude product with a content of 57%1-(2-ethyl-butyl)-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid and 29.5% startingmaterial.

The crude product was dissolved in TBME (30 mL) and extracted with 7%aqueous sodium bicarbonate (2×30 mL). The aqueous phases were extractedwith TBME (40 mL). The organic phases were washed with dilute brine (50mL), combined, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo. Thisextraction procedure was repeated to afford 1.79 g (37%)1-(2-ethyl-butyl)-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid with a content of 87.7%according to GC with internal standard. The content ofcyclohexanecarboxylic acid was found to be <0.1%.

EXAMPLE 22 Alkylation of CHCA Na Salt in the Presence of Morpholine asthe Secondary Amine

CHCA Na salt (3.0 g, 20 mmol) was suspended under argon in THF (37.5mL). Morpholine (174 mg, 2 mmol) was added to the stirred mixturefollowed by addition of 1.6 M BuLi in hexane (15 mL, 24 mmol) over 3 husing a syringe pump. After complete BuLi addition stirring at RT wascontinued for 1.5 h. 1-Bromo-2-ethylbutane (4.29 g, 26 mmol) in THF (13mL) was added dropwise to the orange and slightly turbid reactionmixture at 10° C. over 30 min. After 1 h the cooling bath was removedand the reaction mixture was stirred 18 h at ambient temperature.

The reaction mixture was worked up in analogous manner as described inExample 7 to give 4.16 g crude product with a content of 20.5%cyclohexanecarboxylic acid and 74.5%1-(2-ethyl-butyl)-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid corresponding to a yield of73%.

EXAMPLE 23 Alkylation of CHCA Na Salt in the Presence of pyrrolidine asthe Secondary Amine

CHCA Na salt (3.0 g, 20 mmol) was suspended under argon in THF (37.5mL). Pyrrolidine (142 mg, 2 mmol) was added to the stirred mixturefollowed by addition of 1.6 M BuLi in hexane (15 mL, 24 mmol) over 3 husing a syringe pump. After complete BuLi addition stirring at RT wascontinued for 1.5 h. 1-Bromo-2-ethylbutane (4.29 g, 26 mmol) in THF (13mL) was added dropwise to the orange and slightly turbid reactionmixture at 10° C. over 30 min. After 1 h the cooling bath was removedand the reaction mixture was stirred 18 h at ambient temperature.

The reaction mixture was worked up in analogous manner as described inExample 7 to give 3.92 g crude product with a content of 30%cyclohexanecarboxylic acid and 65.1%1-(2-ethyl-butyl)-cydohexanecarboxylic acid corresponding to a yield of60%.

EXAMPLE 24 Alkylation of CHCA Na Salt in the Presence of4-methylpiperidine as the Secondary Amine

CHCA Na salt (3.0 g, 20 mmol) was suspended under argon in THF (37.5mL). 4-Methylpiperidine (198 mg, 2 mmol) was added to the stirredmixture followed by addition of 1.6 M BuLi in hexane (15 mL, 24 mmol)over 3 h using a syringe pump. After complete BuLi addition stirring atRT was continued for 1.5 h. 1-Bromo-2-ethylbutane (4.29 g, 26 mmol) inTHF (13 mL) was added dropwise to the orange and slightly turbidreaction mixture at 10° C. over 30 min. After 1 h the cooling bath wasremoved and the reaction mixture was stirred 18 h at ambienttemperature.

The reaction mixture was worked up in analogous manner as described inExample 7 to give 3.73 g crude product with a content of 28.8%cyclohexanecarboxylic acid and 69.6%1-(2-ethyl-butyl)-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid corresponding to a yield of61%.

EXAMPLE 25 Alkylation of CHCA Na Salt Using phenyllithium as a Reagent

CHCA Na salt (3.0 g, 20 mmol) was suspended under argon in THF (37 mL).DEA (146 mg, 2 mmol) was added to the stirred mixture followed byaddition of 1.9 M PhLi in hexane (12.6 mL, 24 mmol) over 3 h using asyringe pump. After complete PhLi addition stirring at RT was continuedfor 1.5 h. 1-Bromo-2-ethylbutane (4.29 g, 26 mmol) in THF (13 mL) wasadded dropwise to the slightly turbid reaction mixture at 10° C. over 30min. After 1 h the cooling bath was removed and the reaction mixture wasstirred 18 h at ambient temperature.

The reaction mixture was worked up in analogous manner as described inExample 7 to give 3.59 g crude product with a content of 36.4%cyclohexanecarboxylic acid and 60.7%1-(2-ethyl-butyl)-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid corresponding to a yield of51%.

Unless stated to the contrary, all compounds in the examples wereprepared and characterized as described. All ranges recited hereinencompass all combinations and subcombinations included within thatrange limit. All patents and publications cited herein are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety.

1. A process for the preparation of the1-(2-ethyl-butyl)-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid of formula (I):

which comprises reacting the cyclohexanecarboxylic acid derivative offormula (II):

wherein Y is an alkali metal, with an alkylating agent, in the presenceof: (1) a secondary amine and (2) a (C₁-C₆)alkyllithium, a(C₃-C₆)cycloalkyllithium, or phenyllithium.
 2. The process according toclaim 1 for the preparation of the1-(2-ethyl-butyl)-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid of formula (I):

which comprises the following steps: a) alkylating acyclohexanecarboxylic acid derivative of formula (II):

wherein Y is an alkali metal, with an alkylating agent, in the presenceof (1) a secondary amine and (2) a (C₁-C₆)alkyllithium, a(C₃-C₆)cycloalkyllithium, or phenyllithium, and b) purifying of thecompound of formula (I) by extraction in the presence of an aqueoussolution with a pH in the range of 7.5-11.
 3. The process accordingclaim 1, which further comprises the preparation of acyclohexanecarboxylic acid sodium salt of formula (II):

wherein Y is an alkali metal, by reacting cyclohexanecarboxylic acidwith a basic alkali metal compound.
 4. The process according to claim 1,wherein the (C₁-C₆)alkyllithium, (C₃-C₆)cycloalkyllithium orphenyllithium is added first to the cyclohexanecarboxylic acid alkalisalt of formula (II) in the presence of a secondary amine, followed bythe addition of an alkylating agent.
 5. The process according to claim1, wherein the alkylating step is performed in the presence of anorganic solvent.
 6. The process according to claim 5 wherein the organicsolvent is a nonprotic solvent.
 7. The process according to claim 6wherein the nonprotic solvent is tetrahydrofuran.
 8. The processaccording to claim 1 wherein there is a catalytic amount of thesecondary amine.
 9. The process according to claim 1, wherein thesecondary amine is diethylamine.
 10. The process according to claim 3,wherein the basic alkali metal compound used is sodium methoxide. 11.The process according to claim 3, wherein the basic alkali metalcompound used is sodium hydride.
 12. The process according to claim 1,wherein the alkali metal is sodium.
 13. The process according to claim1, wherein the alkylating agent is 1-bromo-2-ethylbutane.
 14. Theprocess according to claim 2, wherein the aqueous solution has a pH of9.
 15. The process according to claim 1, wherein the (C₁-C₆)alkyllithiumis butyllithium.
 16. The process according to claim 1 additionallycomprising the step of halogenating the compound of formula (I) asdefined in claim 1, to obtain a compound of formula (III), wherein X isI, Br, Cl or F:


17. The process according to claim 16 additionally comprising the stepof acylating a compound of formula IV′:

with the compound of formula III to obtain a compound of formula IV:


18. The process according to claim 17 additionally comprising the stepof reducing the compound of formula IV to obtain a compound of formulaV:


19. The process according to claim 18 additionally comprising the stepof acylating the compound of formula V with R⁴C(O)X′, wherein X′ is I,Br, Cl or F and R⁴ is C₁-C₈alkyl, to obtain a compound of formula VI:


20. A process for the preparation ofS-[2-([[1-(2-ethylbutyl)-cyclohexyl]-carbonyl]amino)phenyl]2-methylpropanethioatecomprising the formation of a compound of formula (I):

by reacting a cyclohexanecarboxylic acid derivative of formula (II):

wherein Y is an alkali metal, with an alkylating agent, in the presenceof: (1) a secondary amine and (2) (C₁-C₆)alkyllithium,(C₃-C₆)cycloalkyllithium, or phenyllithium.